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Council adopts one‑year pilot to allow limited outdoor storage in commercial areas
Summary
Council approved a text amendment to permit limited outdoor storage via an administrative permit as a one‑year pilot starting Nov. 1, 2024. The program allows modular storage containers (size limited to ~306 sq ft) with conditions forbidding hazardous materials and (by amendment) prohibiting sound emissions; council debated whether to forbid shipping containers outright and settled on removing shipping containers from allowed types.
Johns Creek City Council approved a council‑initiated zoning text amendment to create a one‑year pilot program, effective Nov. 1, 2024, allowing limited outdoor storage on commercial property under an administrative permit.
Director Song told council staff proposed the pilot after reviewing neighboring jurisdictions and business requests. The pilot would authorize modular storage containers limited to approximately 306 square feet (roughly two parking spaces), include setbacks, placement restrictions and a 12‑month sunset. Planning Commission recommended three additional standards: prohibit storage of hazardous or flammable materials (fireworks were discussed), require modular containers specifically designed for outdoor storage, and prohibit sound or light emissions from containers.
Council members debated whether to allow standard shipping containers; some members argued a 20‑foot shipping container could fit within the size limit while others noted many shipping containers exceed the 306‑sq‑ft limit. After discussion, council moved to approve the text amendment with staff and Planning Commission recommendations and a modification to explicitly eliminate ordinary shipping containers and to prohibit sound emissions from storage containers. Councilmember DiBiase made the motion and the council adopted the amendment.
Next steps: staff will implement the administrative‑permit process and monitor the pilot during the 12‑month period and report back to council before the pilot expires.
